GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Bartow County

Bartow County, GA (September 3, 2024) - At the request of the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating an officer involved shooting in Bartow County, GA. James Lee Rourks, age 42, of Adairsville, GA, was shot and injured in the incident. No officers were injured in the incident.

Late Monday night, September 2, 2024, the Adairsville Police Department responded to an unknown incident at a home on Barnsley Village Drive in Adairsville, GA. A woman called 911 and, during the call, abruptly hung up. A man, later identified as Rourks, called 911 from same number and told the operator everything was fine. Officers arrived at the home and Rourks’ wife informed the officers that there was a domestic dispute and that Rourks had a gun. Rourks reentered the home, and refused to comply with officers’ commands. The Bartow County Sheriff’s Office was contacted for assistance with a potential barricaded gunman. Deputies made entry into the house and encountered Rourks. During the incident, one deputy shot at Rourks, injuring him.

Rourks was taken to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The Adairsville Police Department charged Rourks with aggravated assault by strangulation & interference with a 911 call.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the case file will be given to the Bartow County District Attorney’s Office for review.